Review of Responses

Odermatt compared the case studies by identifying key elements within the DPSIR framework.

The major Driving forces and Pressures in developing countries included

• Unsustainable agriculture and landuse
• Weak national economy
• Erosion
• Deforestation
• Shifting cultivation

The review of the 40 case studies led to a total of 22 responses which could be used for sustainable mountain development, including:

• Involvement of stakeholders
• Empowerment of mountain communities in decision making processes
• Creation of new livelihood opportunities
• Improvement of transportation services
• Water Users Associations
• Hydropower generation
• Sustainable forestry and agriculture
• Reforestation
• Documenting and communicating local knowledge

Through comparison of existing case studies, the author concluded that “involvement of stakeholders” and “gathering of baseline information” were of utmost importance for achieving sustainable mountain development.

Odermatt, S. 2004. Evaluation of mountain case studies by means of sustainability variables: A DPSIR model as an evaluation tool in the context of the North-South discussion. Mountain Research and Development 24:336-341.